Local group Better Building Wanaka is celebrating a government programme which aims to reduce building waste..

The Building for Climate Change programme has been set up by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) to help New Zealanders build differently, in recognition of the role the industry must play if the country is to reach its climate change goals. 

The building and construction industry is currently a large contributor to greenhouse gas emissions from producing materials, constructing buildings and the energy used in buildings. 

The way the sector currently works is at odds with New Zealand’s goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Building Better Wanaka [BBW] spokesperson Ruth Blunt said building waste isn’t an issue many people associate with carbon emissions, but they are closely connected.

“In Wanaka alone, almost 60 tonnes of construction and demolition waste are dumped at the transfer station every week,” Ruth said. 

She said she was pleased to see the Building for Climate Change framework recognises the connection: “It lists reducing waste as a key consideration in its goal to increase building material efficiency and reduce carbon emissions.”

The group has been working on a local level, helping people in the industry reuse materials instead of throwing them out, 

One of the ways it is doing this is through CivilShare, an app designed to keep useful stuff out of landfill.

“So far, we’ve seen an uptake in the local listing on CivilShare but we’re keen to see more material traded on the app and kept in use,” Ruth said.

Businesses and individuals can buy, sell, share swap and hire materials and resources through the app.

“The app is easy to download and use to list materials for sale or giveaway,” Ruth said. “You don’t have to be a builder or tradie to sign up. If you have a DIY project on the go, check out CivilShare for material first before buying new.”

Nationally, MBIE has now launched public consultation on the first two frameworks that will shape the Build for Climate Change programme – the Whole-of-Life Embodied Carbon Emissions Framework, and the Transforming Operational Efficiency Framework. Click here to learn more and have your say.

“Change is coming for the sector. We can get ahead of the game by making reuse and recycling the norm on local building sites,” Ruth said.

PHOTO: Wastebusters